Relaxation begins with the right bathtub. Whether you're renovating your bathroom or choosing a tub for your dream home, two popular choices stand out: whirlpool tubs vs soaking tubs. But how do you decide?

Whirlpool tubs give you a spa-like experience with massaging jets and hydrotherapy benefits. Soaking tubs, on the other hand, offer quiet, deep, and simple relaxation.

In this guide, we’ll compare both options based on features, cost, maintenance, and wellness benefits, so you can confidently pick the perfect tub for your lifestyle.

Ready to elevate your bath experience? Let’s dive into the pros, cons, and what makes each tub special.

Quick Overview – Whirlpool vs Soaking Tub

Before going deep, here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help you get the big picture:

Feature	Soaking Tub	Whirlpool Tub
Experience	Deep, quiet relaxation	Massage, hydrotherapy
Best for	Simplicity, daily use	Pain relief, stress reduction
Cost	Lower	Higher (due to jets and electrical parts)
Maintenance	Easy	Requires regular jet cleaning
Water Usage	Less	More (fills both tub + jets)
Installation	Simple	More complex plumbing & electrical setup
Ideal Users	Minimalists, small-space bathrooms	Those needing muscle therapy or luxury

Pro Tip: If you want a hassle-free soak after a long day, a soaking tub is your go-to. For physical recovery or a spa feel, whirlpool is unbeatable.

What is a Soaking Tub and who is it good for?

Soaking tub Meaning a bathtub that is usually deep enough to comfortably submerge the entire body. It doesn't have any jets or water circulation, instead it offers a very simple and quiet experience.

Benefits of Soaking Tub

• Calm and Relaxing Experience: No jets, so no noise. You can relax in total silence.
• Advantages of deep water: Relaxation is achieved by fully submerging the body, which allows for a longer stay in hot water.
• Easy installation: It can be installed like a normal bathtub. No complicated electrical or additional plumbing required.
• Low cost and low maintenance: Since it has no machines or jets, there is no cleaning or servicing hassle.

Looking for an affordable yet elegant soaking tub? The ProFlo 60" x 42" Alcove Soaking Tub is a great fit for modern bathrooms. If you prefer freestanding luxury, check out the American Standard Studio S 68” Oval Freestanding Tub or the Kohler 67" Reve Collection Freestanding Soaking Tub.

Disadvantages of Soaking Tub

• No massage facility: For those who need a jet massage to relieve muscle pain or stress, this is not enough.
• Depth: Sometimes the tub is so deep that getting in or out is difficult for the elderly or those with mobility issues.

Who will benefit from using soaking tub?

• Those whose main needs are simple relaxation and meditation-like environments.
• Those who want to avoid complex machines or maintenance in the bathroom.
• Those who have a limited budget but want a stylish and comfortable tub.

If you want a quiet, straightforward and comfortable bathing experience, then a soaking tub may be ideal for you.

What is a Whirlpool Tub and who is it suitable for?

A whirlpool tub is a bathtub that has powerful jets. These jets force water or air through the tub and apply pressure to the body, a type of massage or hydrotherapy. Much like a spa experience.

Benefits of Whirlpool Tub

• Massage and Pain Relief: The water pressure from the jets acts like a massage on the muscles, which relaxes the muscles and reduces pain.
• Helps reduce stress: The jet massage of the Whirlpool Tub will help you relax greatly at the end of a busy and tiring day.
• Improves blood circulation: The flow of water and air helps increase blood circulation in the body, which is beneficial for health.
• Spa experience at home: You can get spa-like comfort at home, which is not possible in any other ordinary tub.

You can explore premium models like the 60” x 60” Corner Whirlpool Tub, or go with trusted brands such as the American Standard Evolution 72” EverClean Whirlpool for long-lasting performance.

More bestsellers:

• American Standard Dakota 60” x 42” Whirlpool
• American Standard Trieste 72” Whirlpool Tub
• Colony 60" x 32" Whirlpool

Explore more in our full Whirlpool Bathtubs Collection

Disadvantages of Whirlpool Tub

• Higher cost: This tub is relatively expensive because it has jets and electric features.
• Higher maintenance: If the jets are not cleaned regularly, bacteria can accumulate.
• Installation is complicated: Electrical connections and additional plumbing are required, so installation can be a bit difficult and expensive.
• Requires more water: It takes a lot more water to fill a whirlpool tub than a soaking tub.

Who should choose a Whirlpool Tub?

• Those who want health benefits including massage.
• Those who want to relax their muscles after exercise or work.
• For those who find relaxation not just rest, but also therapy.

If your priority is to relieve muscle pain, relieve stress, or have a spa experience at home, then a Whirlpool Tub is the best choice for you.

Which one is right for you? – Easy decision-making guide

Whirlpool and soaking tub are both great, but it's important to make the right decision based on your individual needs.

If you want peace and simplicity, choose the Soaking Tub

• A quiet shower at the end of a busy day
• Easy installation and low maintenance
• Modern design on a small budget
• Those who prefer small or simple bathroom designs

If you want hydrotherapy and luxury, choose the Whirlpool Tub

• Massage to relieve body pain and stress
• Helpful in reducing stress on muscles and joints
• A spa-friendly experience at a slightly higher cost
• Perfect for large bathrooms or master bathrooms
  

Ask yourself some questions:

• Do you have regular muscle pain? → Whirlpool
• Do you like a little simpler life? → Soaking
• Limited space in the bathroom? → Soaking
• Can you afford high maintenance? → Whirlpool
• How much is the budget? → Soaking is relatively cost effective

Make the best choice from Royal Bath Place

Our collection includes premium Whirlpool and Soaking tubs—designed to suit your needs.
Check out:

• Soaking Bathtubs Collection
• Whirlpool Bathtubs Collection

Our expert team is always ready to choose the right tub for your style, comfort and budget.

Common Questions About Whirlpool vs Soaking Tub

What are the disadvantages of soaking tub?

Soaking tubs are deep, so getting in and out can be difficult for some people (especially the elderly or those with walking difficulties). Also, it doesn't have massage or jet facilities, so those who want hydrotherapy may be disappointed.

Ordinary bathtub and Jacuzzi (Whirlpool tub) – which is better?

A Jacuzzi or Whirlpool tub offers a spa-like experience with massage facilities. A normal bathtub is only for bathing, not for massage or therapy. But the cost and maintenance of Whirlpool tub is high.

Is it possible to open the ordinary bathtub and install the soaking tub?

Yes, possible. But that depends on your bathroom size and plumbing setup. In many cases the installation may need to be modified slightly.

Is the Whirlpool bath really worth it?

If you exercise or experience regular muscle aches, a Whirlpool tub is the perfect investment. It is not just a luxury, but an effective therapeutic device.

Is it hard to keep the Whirlpool tub clean?

Yes, Whirlpool tubs require a little more cleaning because of the jets. If the jets are not cleaned regularly, bacteria can build up. However, many Whirlpool tubs now have a self-cleaning feature.

Conclusion

Ultimately, your tub choice should reflect your lifestyle and wellness needs. If you want a deep, peaceful soak with minimal maintenance, a soaking tub is ideal. If you're aiming for hydrotherapy, massage, and luxury, the Whirlpool tub is your best bet.

Still unsure?
Visit RoyalBathPlace.com to explore our collections, talk to experts, and find the perfect bathtub that turns your daily routine into a relaxing escape.